Ryanair CEO Calls for Alcohol Sales Ban at Airports Amid Safety Concerns
# Major Airline Leader Advocates for Striking Alcohol Ban at Airports
## Calls for New Licensing Regulations to Address Early Morning Drinking
Michael O'Leary, the Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair, has called for a substantial ban on alcohol sales at airports. His remarks come amid growing concerns about the lack of stringent licensing rules applying to airport bars compared to their counterparts outside.
O'Leary expressed disbelief at current practices, stating, “I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o'clock in the morning. Who needs to be drinking beer at that time? There should be no alcohol served at airports outside [those] licensing hours.” His comments highlight a crucial issue regarding early morning drinking, which he argues contributes to unruly behavior among passengers.
Over the years, O'Leary has consistently pushed for stronger measures, including a limit of two drinks per person before boarding. He believes that allowing customers to drink excessively at airport establishments is merely “exporting the problem to the airlines,” further complicating safety and management for airline crews.
His statements have drawn attention to the regulatory gaps faced by airports, as many remain free from the strict licensing conditions that apply to bars located in the broader community. This proposal aims not only to curb irresponsible alcohol consumption but also to enhance passenger safety during travel.